Wardrobe Essentials for Work
What are the best wardrobe essentials for work? What are the building blocks of a great working wardrobe? We've long noticed, in the course of our regular recommendations for pieces for your working wardrobe, that there are “greatest hits” — dresses and skirts and other basics that are highly rated, reappear year after year, and seem to work for a ton of different sizes and shapes.
We've collected some in our Workwear Hall of Fame — but a lot of them appear in our regular Hunt roundups, where we're hunting for a workwear basic in a range of prices. But if you happen to be building a work wardrobe for a new job (or a change of job), these “greatest hits” would be a great place to start building your working wardrobe — because they're wardrobe essentials for work.
Other Roundups of Wardrobe Essentials for Work
- The Best Plus-Size Women's Workwear – Wardrobe Essentials!
- The Most Affordable Office Clothes for Women
- The Best Maternity Workwear Essentials {CorporetteMoms}
{related: the most affordable office clothes for women (roundup of budget-friendly wardrobe essentials!)}
You may also want to check out the Hunts we've done for currently trendy workwear, as well as our The Ultimate Guide to Business Casual for Women.
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Workwear Essentials for a Conservative Office
You can wear almost everything on this list to every kind of office — but our specialty here at Corporette has always been in what to wear to conservative, corporate offices like those at law firms, banks, and consulting agencies.
If you're moving to a more business casual office, check out our advice on how to adapt a conservative style for a business casual office — and check out our guide to business casual for women.
Sleek, Polished Office Shoes
Comfortable Flats for Work
Comfortable ballet flats are a must if you're on your feet a lot, but pointy toed flats are sleeker and easier to pair with skirts.
Some of our favorite comfortable flats for work as of 2025 include AGL, M.M.LaFleur, and French Sole. On the more affordable side, check out Rothy's, Sam Edelman, and Rockport. We've also rounded up the best loafers for work, and our favorite sneakers for work outfits!
Great Loafers for Work
As of 2025, some of our favorite loafers for work are from Sam Edelman, Everlane, and Madewell. If you want something more classic, readers love Sperry and Ferragamo; if you want comfort, Vionic and Dr. Scholl's both have options. Meanwhile, if you want something a bit more feminine or slouchy, the Tory Burch loafers are all really highly rated at Nordstrom (especially this “ballet loafer“)!
The Best Sneakers for Business-Casual Work Outfits
As of 2025, some of our latest favorite sneakers for work outfits include Cole Haan, J.Crew, and Vince. For comfort we like Dr. Scholl's, Vionic, and Paul Green, and for fancier sneakers we like Loewe and Golden Goose.
Comfortable Heels for Work
A comfortable heel is a great way to get a sleek, professional look with a lot of different outfits.
Colorwise, you can do a lot with black and gray — but I've always loved a purple pump for versatility, or a nude-for-you heel to make it look like your legs go for miles (with or without pantyhose or tights).
Some of the best-selling pumps that are great first bets if you're on the hunt include these classic black heels for business attire:
Hunting for comfortable work heels? We've got a whole guide just for that, but as of 2025 some of our favorites include Marc Fisher LTD, Sam Edelman, M.M.LaFleur, and Cole Haan. On the pricier side, check out Ferragamo, Stuart Weitzman, and Sarah Flint. For comfort-first styles, look to Vionic, Sofft, and Naturalizer.
Stylish “Comfort Heels” For Work
One of our most popular pages has long been our Guide to Comfortable Heels — and while we often round up popular, highly-rated heels, we thought we'd feature some of the popular heels that are especially known for comfort.
These can be great if you're just getting used to heels, you need to be on your feet for a networking event or presentation, or you've just got fussy feet.
If you're seeking “comfort heels,” check out brands like Clarks, Naturalizer, Trotters, Cole Haan, Sofft, Vionic, and Lifestride! If you definitely want a stable base, check out funkier brands like FLY London, Dansko, Eileen Fisher, and Børn — they're great as commuting heels (because you can maintain height for pants hemmed for heels), but they may also be just the ticket if you want something more comfortable.
Some of our latest favorite comfort heels for 2025 are below…
The Best Pants for Work
Psst: check out our latest thoughts on the best trouser lengths for women!
Stylish Dress Pants for Women
There are a TON of great options for pants for work right now, with lots under $100 and almost everything being machine washable. (Check out our tips here on HOW to wash your washable pants to help with durability and help you avoid ironing…) There are stretchy options to keep you comfortable all day long (like the “comfortable magic pants” the readers love!) and more substantial, stiffer options that will look crisp all day and hold you in a bit more (a bit like this one). (If you really like washable clothes, check our roundup of the best brands for washable workwear over at CorporetteMoms.) Below, some of our favorites from our roundup of the best pants for work:
As of 2025, we think the best work pants for women include longtime favorites such as Nic + Zoe, Theory, NYDJ, J.Crew, and M.M.LaFleur — as well as trendy brands like Spanx, and Favorite Daughter. For budget-friendly styles, check Quince, Old Navy, and Amazon seller Tapata.
Polished Pull-On Pants for Work
There are a bunch of great pull-on pants for the office in 2025. Some of our longstanding favorites include those from Athleta*, Eileen Fisher*, Betabrand*, and Uniqlo. If you're looking for something a bit more polished but still ultra comfy, check out Nic & Zoe* or NYDJ*. (Brands with plus sizes are marked with asterisks.)
Great Wide-Leg Pants to Wear to Work
Hunting for more wide-leg pants to wear to work? In 2025, general favorites include pleated pairs like Aritzia, Favorite Daughter, Everlane*, Reformation*, and Abercrombie*, with flat-front pairs from Good American,* M.M.LaFleur, and Ann Taylor (* = plus sizes; see the post for notes on petites and talls). We've also shared our thoughts on what shoes to wear with wide-leg pants!
Flared Pants for Work Outfits
Stay tuned for our latest favorite office-appropriate flared pants for women! In general in 2025, check out Spanx, Hugo Boss, Theory, Quince, Amazon seller Rekucci, Anthropologie's Maeve line, and Eloquii.
Polished Bootcut Pants for Work Outfits
There are a bunch of great bootcut dress pants. Some of our favorites as of 2025 include Theory, Spanx, Boss, and Good American, as well as the very affordable Tapata brand (with tall, petite, and regular lengths). On the more casual side, check out KUT from the Kloth cords, Wit & Wisdom jeans, and Betabrand “dress yoga pants.“
Stylish Straight Dress Pants for Women
Straight pants can be a bit tricky to get the hem correct, and they have a slight potential to be frumpy. That said, they are a classic because they tend to be immune from trends. Some great options in 2025 include reader-favorites Nic & Zoe pants, NYDJ, J.Crew, these “perfect” pants from Spanx, and the very affordable Amazon seller Tapata (with petite, regular, and tall sizes).
The Best Ankle Pants for Work
Ankle pants are great if you like to switch up your shoe heights a lot. As of 2025, longstanding favorites include pants from Eileen Fisher*, J.Crew*, and Theory. For plus sizes check Eloquii as well as the options with asterisks — and on the more casual side, check out Old Navy*, Athleta*, and Everlane*. Nordstrom has a bunch of the trendier kick crop pants!
Great Blazers for Work: The Perfect Third Piece
Classic Blazers to Wear as Separates
Some of the best blazers for women in 2025 — great for wearing as separates! — include options from Cinq à Sept, J.Crew (collarless and collared), Everlane, and Madewell. Hunting for a deal? Check out J.Crew Factory and Amazon (Cicy Bell, The Drop).
Hunting for a luxe statement blazer? 2025 favorites include Smythe, include McQueen, L'Agence, Veronica Beard, The Fold, Armani, and Anine Bing.
Sweater Jackets for the Office: Cozy but Polished
Another great wardrobe essential that's become popular in recent years: sweater jackets for the office!
Some of our favorite sweater jackets for the office as of 2025 include M.M.LaFleur (the OG, the jardigan!), L'Agence, Summersalt, J.Crew, and Jenni Kayne. For budget options check J.Crew Factory and Quince.
Where to Find Chanel-Like Jackets for the Office
Some of our latest favorite Chanel-style jackets for work in 2025 include these, but in general check more jacket-y options like Chanel, IRO, L'Agence, and Veronica Beard, as well as more sweater-y options like St. John, and ba&sh. J.Crew and Nic & Zoe offer a bunch of both kinds, in regular and plus sizes. On the budget side of things, check out CeCe, Tuckernuck (XXS-XXL), J.Crew Factory, and Mango. (Also check out our roundup of the best lady jackets for work!) Nordstrom has a bunch in all price points!
The Best Dresses for the Office
Stylish Sheath Dresses for Work
A sheath dress is a must for the conservative office — it's a great structured, tailored piece that you can dress up or down with a blazer.
Some of the best dresses for work as of 2025 include options from J.Crew, BOSS, T. Tahari, and Lands' End. For really affordable options, check out Quince and Amazon sellers Miusol or MUXXN (both with vintage vibes). We've also rounded up the best plus-size dresses for work!
Office-Appropriate Fit and Flare Work Dresses
Hunting for the best fit and flare work dresses? In general look to brands like Eliza J., Maggy London, Karen Kane and (for plus sizes), eShakti, City Chic, and Kiyonna. Some of our favorites of 2024 are below — also check this classic Elie Tahari dress (with pockets!), this affordable dress from Amazon seller Rekucci, and this affordable midi tea dress from Marycrafts.
Colorful Sheath Dresses
Of course, work dresses can be colorful also — these are some of the best bets if you're hunting for rich, saturated colors:
Hunting for colorful sheath dresses for work? As of 2025, the places we'd check first include Amazon sellers like Miusol and Muxxn, as well as Tuckernuck's wildly popular Jackie dress. Some looongstanding reader favorites are also still coming out in lots of colors, including Karen Kane, Calvin Klein, CeCe, and Adriana Papell. On the fancier side of things, check Black Halo or The Fold.
Great Wrap Dresses for Work
Wrap dresses are a great option to wear to work while losing weight, because they always fit — some new moms also think wrap dresses make the best clothes for pumping (although opinions vary widely on that). If you're not pumping and wondering what to wear beneath a wrap dress, check out this post. Some classic options for wrap dresses, below:
As of 2025, some of our favorite wrap dresses for work include the classic DVF* (also look on resale sites!), Kiyonna*, Modern Citizen, Quince*, Reiss and Amazon Essentials* — also check out this faux wrap dress from Karen Kane*. (*also available in plus sizes*)
The Best Skirts for Work
Pencil skirts are still a great wardrobe basic — they make a great structured base for pairing with everything from button-front blouses to elevated tees to blazer/cardigan/jardigan looks. Some favorite pencil skirts for work:
Some of our favorite work skirts of 2025 include classic pencil skirts like those from J.Crew,* Ann Taylor, Black Halo, Calvin Klein, Theory, and this Amazon seller); if you want one with a slight flare check out this Anthropologie skirt. (Also: readers love these slip shorts for comfort with bare legs!)
Polished Tops and Blouses for Work
Crisp Button-Front Blouses for Work
A crisp women's dress shirt is a great layering piece for beneath a blazer, a sweater, or more. If you find that button downs don't work with your bust, but still want to wear them, do check out our roundup of boutique shops specializing in busty blouses — you can also check out our advice on how to wear a button-front to work. If you prefer a silk button-front, scroll down…
Hunting for a crisp, collared button-front blouse? Some of our longtime favorites as of 2025 include Ann Taylor and J.Crew; iron-free options from Brooks Brothers and Foxcroft, and we'd splurge on Boss. Also check out our DIY options for gaping blouses — and note that if you just want a collar beneath a sweater, you can always go for a fake collar instead.
Silk Button-Front Blouses
Another stylish option: the silk button-front. These can be easier for layering beneath a suit, cardigan, or more — but be warned they can be higher maintenance.
Hunting for silk button-front blouses for work? As of 2025, readers love Boden, Everlane, M.M.LaFleur, Club Monaco, and Lilysilk. For more affordable options check Quince ($69!) and Grana; for fancier options check L'Agence, Equipment, and Vince. We've also rounded up other kinds of silk blouses (tanks, popovers, etc.)!
Easy Popover Blouses for Work Outfits
Popover blouses can be the best of all worlds — they're dressy, but don't have gaping problems, and are usually easy to care for (i.e., machine washable). Here are some of our latest favorites…
Looking for a great popover blouse? As of 2025, reader favorites include Ann Taylor's mixed media blouse, NYDJ's pintuck blouse, Vince Camuto's rumple blouse, and a number of blouses from Amazon seller Milumia — you can also often find them at J.Crew Factory, Talbots, Tuckernuck, and J.Crew.
Short-Sleeved Sweaters
Short-sleeved sweaters can be great because they don't present the layering problems of longer sleeved sweaters, and they can be a bit more opaque than regular t-shirts, particularly if you want a light or white color. They also don't have the gaping problems of blouses.
Some of our favorite short-sleeved sweater tees for 2025 include cashmere ones from Quince ($45!), Ann Taylor, Theory, J.Crew,* and Boden. (* plus sizes too!) For other materials, try Tuckernuck (cashmere/silk), J.Crew Factory (100% cotton), and Amazon (viscose/poly). Nordstrom and Anthropologie both have a huge selection of sweater tees, also! (All of the ones below come in white and black, as well as other colors!)
Sleeveless Tops for Work
Sleeveless tops, shells and blouses can be great alternatives to sleeved blouses and tees, particularly if you want a layered look with clean lines. These are some of our favorites — you can see our whole roundup of sleeveless tops.
Sleeveless tops are still a know-your-office situation, but much more accepted than previously. Some of our favorite sleeveless tops include ones from Anne Klein, Calvin Klein, Amazon seller Milumia, and Vince Camuto — Elie Tahari's silk one is also lovely.
Camisoles for Work
Of course, if you're wearing button-front shirts, you may want to look into camisoles for work — they can be great for raising the neckline, making sure no skin is showing through gaps in buttons, and can be a generally great layering piece. (Also check out our roundup of the best demi-camisoles for work — great if you don't like a ton of unnecessary fabric around your midsection.)
Remember: if you're hoping it will raise the neckline of what you're wearing, you're looking for something that doesn't look like lingerie — the less lace, mesh, and other details, the better.
Some of our favorite camisoles for work in 2025 include Commando's Butter camisole and Honeylove's shaping cami. If you're on a budget, try J.Crew Factory (reversible and several “nude” shades) or Amazon's multi-packs. Other options: demi-camisoles from companies like Halftee (Amazon also has a lot) — or chemisettes!
T-Shirts for Work
T-shirts are great in summer, of course, but they're also great for layering under cardigans and blazers as seasons change. Some of our favorite tees for layering include:
Looking for the best work-appropriate T-shirts? As of 2025, some of our favorite dressy T-shirts for work are from Amazon Essentials, Theory, Everlane, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Nic + Zoe, and Vince — also check our posts on opaque white tees and the best plus-size tees for work!
Professional Tote Bags
A work tote is a MUST if you're interviewing — you need something big enough to hold a folder with your resume, light enough that you don't mind lugging it around, and durable enough that you won't cry if it gets rained on. (Note that we've also talked about the best backpacks for your commute, as well as the most stylish laptop totes and sleeves.) Some of the best work bags of all time are pictured below, ranging from $168-$298:
Some of the best work bags for women as of 2025 include great totes from Cuyana (with a zipper), Tumi, Tory Burch, Lo & Sons, and Madewell (north/south). Also try this highly-rated organizing insert or these clever pouches with some of the less structured bags! If you're looking for a budget tote (or one in a specific color) check this Amazon seller (22K+ good reviews) or this Amazon seller (60K+ good reviews).
(Looking for a luxury work bag? Here's our latest roundup…)
Looking for the best laptop bags for work? These are some of our Hall of Famer styles:
Here are some of our favorite laptop bags for work in 2024:
Backpacks for work are getting more and more popular, as well, so you may want to check out our recent roundup of the best stylish backpacks for work (including which laptop backpacks are polished enough for work)!
Update: Hunting for the best work backpacks? Some of our favorites in 2024 are below — see the full post for all the details!
Stylish Purses the Readers Love
Hunting for a great professional purse? In 2024, readers are loving affordable crossbody bags like those from Cuyana, Lo & Sons, and Madewell.
In terms of a designer bag to suit your life as a professional, readers have been loving affordable(ish) luxury brands like Polène, Tory Burch, Strathberry, DeMellier, and Mansur Gavriel, as well as more designer bags like Chloé (particularly the Marcie line) and Mulberry. (If money is no object, Loewe and Bottega Venetta are always worth a look!)
Seasonal Wardrobe Essentials For Work: Summer Work Clothes
Lightweight Pants for Summer Work Clothes
Some of our favorite summer work pants for women as of 2024 include options from Nic + Zoe, M.M.LaFleur, Ministry of Supply, Uniqlo — and Banana Republic Factory sometimes has pants in their AirStretch line, also!
Nude-For-You Pumps
Whether your office allows bare legs in summer, or you just prefer the bare look with great pantyhose, matching the tone of your shoe to the tone of your legs is one way to make your legs look like they go for miles. Some of our latest favorite skin-tone pumps for work include:
Some of our latest favorite nude heels for every skin tone in 2025 include the following — see the full post for all the details!
Lightweight Summer Blazers
If summer recruiting is in your life at all (whether as a summer associate, an intern, or as an interviewer!), the summer blazer can be an easy way to look pulled together, FAST. (We've also rounded up our favorite stylish summer dress pants for women!) Some of our favorite lightweight blazers for summer include these best-sellers…
Hunting for lightweight blazers for summer in linen and other fabrics? As of 2024, J.Crew's Helena blazer in stretch linen is a bestseller, as is this super affordable Quince blazer and Old Navy (regular, tall, and petite up to 4X). Along related lines (all machine washable!), check out Uniqlo's Airsense jacket (lightweight and stretchy), Madewell's Drapeweave line (lightweight and drapey) and Brooks Brothers' seersucker line (lightweight and cooling). You can find silk/linen blazers at Ann Taylor and Hobbs; Ann Taylor also has a number of cotton pique options.
White Blazers
Another great option for a summer blazer: the white blazer. They can freshen up a ton of outfits and add an element of polish and structure to an otherwise relaxed summer outfit.
As of April 2024, some of our favorite stylish white blazers for work include options from J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, Ann Taylor, Liverpool, and Amazon (Cicy Bell, The Drop). If you're looking to splurge, try Smythe or L'Agence.
Demi-Camisoles
Finally, it should be noted that a great layering piece you may not even KNOW about for hot summer months is the demi-camisole. This can be a great way to raise the neckline of anything you're wearing without adding a ton of fabric around your middle. (Most people still wear a regular bra beneath these — know your office if you only wear one of these.)
Psst: Want more coverage but not the additional layer of a camisole? Check out demi-camisoles — as of 2024, favorites include Second Base, Halftee, or basic cropped camisoles — or chemisettes!
Cold Weather Basics for Work
Cold weather is another beast — we've also discussed how to buy a great winter coat, as well as how to be graceful in a New York winter. (We've included our favorite sweater jackets for the office above, with blazer recommendations.) Stay tuned for updates to our hunt for flannel pants, also!
Warm Winter Pants
Hunting for warm dress pants for winter? We like fabrics like wool flannel, wool blends, corduroy, and velvet — but know your office before wearing pants cut like denim, with five pockets (especially corduroy and velvet). In 2025, for wool flannel, check Aritzia, Loft, Talbots*, and Nordstrom. For great wool and wool blends, check out Banana Republic, J.Crew*, and M.M.LaFleur. (* = plus sizes)
Tweed Blazers for Work
If you're hunting for winter blazers in tweeds or other warm fabrics, check Uniqlo, Ann Taylor, Boden, Smythe, J.Crew, Veronica Beard, Tuckernuck, and L'Agence. Some recent ones we've featured:
Great Office Sweaters
Cardigans Every Woman Needs for Work
So many women love cardigans for work — they're more comfortable and warmer than a blazer, and can be a much more laid back, casual look. We've broken down the different styles of cardigans and how we wear them to work — these are some of our favorites through the years. You may also want to check out our roundup of affordable blazers under $50 as many are knit and comfy.
Some of our favorite classic cardigans for the office as of 2025 include those below — definitely check Talbots and J.Crew Factory if you're looking for plus sizes, and Quince is always a nice affordable option. Veronica Beard and Brooks Brothers both keep a bunch of options in stock.
Affordable Cashmere for Work
Cashmere runs the gamut from affordable to expensive — and we've talked about the best cashmere a ton over the years. Below are some of the best-selling, great cashmere sweaters for work that we've seen for years:
Some of the classic cashmere sweaters for work (as of 2025) include Nordstrom Cashmere, Quince ($50!), Vince, J.Crew, Naadam, Talbots, Lands' End, and Brooks Brothers. If you're looking for something fancier try TSE, Loro Piana, Akris, Autumn Cashmere, or (more casual) Jenni Kayne.
Tights for Work
Tights for work are a must — and whether you want opacity, warmth, durabilty, or more, we did a major roundup. Below are some of the best-selling reader favorites.
Note that we've also talked about what color tights to wear with a navy suit, as well as when it's time to stop wearing tights (seasonally). You can also check out the Corporette Guide to Pantyhose or our 2017 discussion on the best lingerie for office looks.
Hunting for the best tights for work? As of 2025, we like Hue, DKNY, Spanx, Commando — and check out Berkshire for plus sizes. Readers love their fleece tights — and here's a great way to store tights!
The Best Shoes to Wear with Tights
Strappy Pumps for the Office
I'm always a fan of strappy pumps, but I especially think they're the best work shoe to wear with tights — these are some of the best-selling, classic versions of strappy pumps:
As of 2025, these are our latest favorite strappy heels for work — also check the brands J.Crew, Valentino, and Jennifer Chamandi for strappy pumps. If you’re looking for strappy commuting shoes with heels to maintain a hem length, we recommend Dansko, Eileen Fisher, or FLY London.
Best Knee-High Boots for Commuting
Winter Coats To Wear with Suits and Other Conservative Office Clothes
Winter coats are a must if you live in a cold climate — the right topper will not only keep you warm but also stylish. Some reader favorites are pictured below, but note that we've also discussed in general how to buy a great winter coat.
Some of our favorite classic coats for work as of 2025 include J.Crew, Sam Edelman, Aritzia, L.L.Bean, Quince, and Cole Haan. On the splurgier side, do check out Mackage, Soia & Kyo, Eileen Fisher, Fleurette, and Cinzia Rocca. We've also rounded up our favorite washable winter coats!
Waterproof, Weatherproof Shoes for Work
If your commute involves puddles, slush, dirt, or more, a great waterproof, weatherproof shoe is essential! Some favorite options over the years include:
Hunting for weatherproof shoes for work? As of 2025, these are some of our favorites — also check out waterproof sneakers like Allbirds. (Also look for Aquatalia boots on sale, as the brand is shutting down.)
Winter Layers: Long Underwear For the Win
As we noted in our last post on warm women's dress pants for the office, silk long johns (aka long underwear, aka silk leggings) can be lifesavers under pants in most blustry days of winter. The best ones block the wind, keeping you nice and toasty — but don't add a ton of heat once you get inside.
They're also great if you're wondering what to wear beneath unlined suit pants…
We always recommend silk long johns to layer beneath unlined suit pants in winter, both for warmth and comfort. Some of our 2024 favorites include silk ones from Lands' End, L.L. Bean, and Terramar, as well as the budget friendly Heattech from Uniqlo.
The Corporette® Guide to Suits
Whether you need a suit for an interview, for courtroom attire, or you just wear suits often for work, we've covered them all. Do check out our Guide to Interview Suits for a lot of basic guidelines on suits; we've also recently done a big overview on the best women's suits by price range (with separate roundups for plus sizes, tall sizes, petite sizes, and more), as well as discussed the best business suits to wear while you're expecting.
Great Suits for Every Budget
Affordable Suits for Women
All of the suits in this tier are generally under $250 for two pieces. Note that the two big risks with a budget option will be frumpiness on one end — and “sexy secretary”/ formality problems on the other.
Try to look for a material that drapes well, doesn't wrinkle, isn't too seasonal (such as a cotton suit — a tropical wool or triacetate will go farther) — and be wary of trendy cuts like collarless jackets, huge slits in your skirt, cropped pants, and more.
Some of our favorite budget-friendly interview suits for women include stores like Banana Republic Factory*†, J.Crew Factory*†, Mango*, and Express†, as well as widely available brands like Anne Klein Executive, Vince Camuto*, Calvin Klein*†, and Tahari ASL. For a vintage vibe, check Amazon seller Marycrafts*. (* = some plus sizes also, † = petites)
Mid-Range Suits for Women
These suits are reliably under $500 for two pieces — but they're going to be a bit higher quality than more affordable suiting options in the first tier.
As of 2024, some of our favorite mid-range suits for women (which sometimes have such frequent sales that they come down to the same range as our “budget” suits) include Ann Taylor, J.Crew, Talbots, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, and Antonio Melani. (Talbots and J.Crew usually have plus sizes, and the others offer petites.)
Investment Suits for Women
I also call this category “fancy affordable” — they're expensive, but generally worth it if you wear a suit a lot. For many women this is going to be the first “splurge” suit — two pieces will cost you more than $500, but less than $1000.
Some of our favorite “investment” suits for women include brands like Theory, Reiss, Hugo Boss, M.M.LaFleur, and Brooks Brothers — expect to pay north of $500 for both pieces.
Designer Suits for Women
Some of the usual suspects for basic designer suits include McQueen, Altuzarra, The Row (this and this), Akris, Michael Kors, and Veronica Beard. Recent favorites include:
Our Favorite Navy Suits
Navy suits are a great basic for interviews, conservative workplaces, and big presentations!
The pros are that navy is generally a more flattering color for many skintones than the harsher black, and one of the big pitfalls of navy (getting the navies to match) is taken care of by the fact that you're buying matching pieces in the same fabric!
The only con to navy suits is that they can be slightly harder to style — as a general rule of thumb, wear black accessories to dress them up, brown to dress them down.
Some of our latest favorite navy suits as of 2024 include these options:
Stylish Charcoal Gray Suits for Women
These charcoal gray suits have been around for a while and are a great bet for where they'll be in stock as of 2024… Brooks Brothers also often has a classic gray suit.
Weekend Wear (or for your Casual Office)
Best-Selling Denim
Every woman needs a good pair of jeans — even if you only get to wear them on the weekends. In our last round-up of the best jeans for work, these were the favorites, ranging from $25-$235:
Hunting for great jeans for work? As of 2024, our favorites are J.Crew, Veronica Beard, Wit & Wisdom, Levi's, Paige, Madewell, and Topshop — and you might want to check out our recent discussion on how to wear denim trousers!
The Best T-shirts for the Weekend
We also recently rounded up the best simple t-shirts for weekend:
As of 2024, some of the best weekend women's t-shirts include Caslon, Madewell, Amazon Essentials, Fishers Finery, New Day, Rag & Bone, Frame, Splendid, Michael Stars, Three Dots, James Perse, and Velvet.
Pictured illustration: Deposit Photos / © urfingus.